FOREST CENTRE RECEIVES LEED GOLD CERTIFICATION

Released on November 24, 2006

The Forest Centre building in Prince Albert has attained LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) GOLD certification from the Canada Green Building Council. This is the first LEED certified building in Saskatchewan and one of only four in the prairie provinces to achieve the GOLD level designation.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is a national leader in the design, construction and operation of environmentally sustainable buildings," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "Green buildings reduce energy, water and waste water expenses while limiting harmful greenhouse gases and other emissions. Such initiatives blend economic and environmental benefits that help make life better for Saskatchewan families today while building a sustainable future for our youth."

LEED is a voluntary, points-based environmental rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and administered in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council. This system recognizes leading edge buildings that incorporate design, construction and operational practices and combined healthy, high-quality and high-performance advantages with a reduced environmental impact. The Forest Centre will use 50 per cent less energy than a traditional commercial building.

"Saskatchewan has recognized the competitive benefits of the green building industry in our increasingly mobile global marketplace," Canada Green Building Council President Thomas Mueller said. "Green buildings save money overall, offer better value than their conventional equivalents and provide healthier, more productive indoor environments."

Many of the facilities in Saskatchewan's Research Parks follow advanced building design concepts for environmental sustainability, conservation of resources and waste reduction. These include:

• The Terrace - Regina Research Park - which received Natural Resources Canada's Energy Efficiency Award for New Buildings in 2003.

• The Dr. Jack McFaull Building in Saskatoon, the Petroleum Technology Research Centre and the Terrace in Regina, and the Forest Centre have all received CBIP (Commercial Building Incentive Program) certification from National Resources Canada.

• A new 5-story multi-tenant facility now under construction at Innovation Place. Both the CBIP grant and LEED certification for this building are being pursued.

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For More Information, Contact:

Austin Beggs Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation Saskatoon Phone: 306-933-7464 Email: austin@innovationplace.com Cell: 306-227-1636	Gord Joorisity Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation Regina Phone: 306-787-9947 Email: gjooristy@innovationplace.com Cell: 306-536-4384
Nancy Grenier Canada Green Building Council Vancouver Phone: 604-681-7002 Email: ngrenier@cabc.org Cell: 604-908-6242